American Airlines workers somber after layoffs announced

Over 1,400 layoffs expected statewide

Employees of American Airlines headed into work on Wednesday in a somber mood after the company announced it sent out layoff warning notices to more than 11,000 employees.

"It's really said because we're ruining a great company," said one flight attendant who did not want to be identified. "Working for a company for 15 to 20 years and all of a sudden it's all gone because of policies from management."

The start of the day on Tuesday was anything but routine.

"We've been in line for about an hour and a half now," said passenger Matt Washougal.

At Miami International Airport, 30 America Airlines flights were delayed and 3 were cancelled as of noon.

American Airlines officials blame some of the flight cancellations on a record number of employees calling in sick. Crew members also noticed the trend.

"Personally, we just had one of our flights cancelled because we couldn't crew it. It's going on. It's happening," said a flight attendant, adding that some workers want to use their benefits while they can.

"It is an at will country right now," she said.

Employees who did show up at work say morale is at an all-time low as they wait to find out who gets to stay and who must go.